Heesen is delighted to announce the delivery of the first yacht of the restyled 55-metre series following intensive tests in the North Sea. During the three-day sea trials, Iris Blue met all the required specifications, and the tests were conducted smoothly and according to plans. During the second day of trials,...
Heesen is delighted to announce the delivery of the first yacht of the restyled 55-metre series following intensive tests in the North Sea. During the three-day sea trials, Iris Blue met all the required specifications, and the tests were conducted smoothly and according to plans. During the second day of trials, the yacht was tested in rough sea conditions, with waves up to 1.7 metres from north to northwest and westerly to north-westerly winds with gusts up to 28 knots. Just like her foresisters, Iris Blue proved to be highly responsive, accepting steering commands immediately. The use of large rudders in conjunction with a powerful steering unit makes for a very quick reaction, as does the high pitch of the propellers. The overall effect instils great confidence in the captain when manoeuvring in strong wind conditions.
Frank Laupman of Omega Architects, the original designer of this series, carried out the restyle of the exterior lines. “As much as we love our original design with the vertical windows, we felt it was time to make an evolutionary step,” says Frank. “We opted for a larger expanse of floor-to-ceiling glass, without mullions in the main saloon. Then, we took the opportunity to give a slightly more aggressive look to the profile by using continuous sheets of tinted glass. The horizontal lines stretch the optical length and balance the air draft. The result is beautiful: we retained the family look and feel but gave it an elegant touch.”
The design revisitation lends the yacht a more assertive stance on the water.
This Superyacht Guide item is an original editorial summary based on the official Heesen Yachts news release.
Image source: Heesen Yachts official news release.